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MUGWORT EXTRACT

TYPE OF INGREDIENT​
Botanical extract, emollient, antioxidant, antimicrobial
COMMONLY FOUND IN
Moisturizers, serums, fragrances

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MUGWORT EXTRACT?

Artemisia species are herbaceous plants found worldwide. Mugwort is a common name for several of the over 500 species of Artemisia. Many of these species are considered invasive weeds due to their ability to quickly occupy large areas and adapt to a multitude of environments.

Extracts and essential oils of mugwort contain high concentrations of sesquiterpenoid lactones (SQLs), flavonoids, coumarins, phenolic acids, sterols and carotenoids. The SQL artemisinin gained notoriety in 2015 after it was found to be effective in the treatment of malaria, earning the discoverer the Nobel Prize in medicine.

When Artemisia vulgaris is fermented by Bacillus species of bacteria, the bacteria produce more valuable peptides and antioxidants and has been shown to inhibit production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which break down collagen. This fermentation further enhances the anti-wrinkle/anti-aging potential of mugwort extract.

WHAT IS MUGWORT EXTRACT?

Mugwort is generally safe in all skin types, as long as individuals do not have a known allergy to the compound.

IS MUGWORT EXTRACT SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES AND TONES?

Mandelic acid is safe for all skin tones and has a low risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is also well tolerated by sensitive and acne-prone skin due to its gentle exfoliating properties.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Patients with known allergy to mugwort pollen should use caution as mugwort extract could result in allergic contact dermatitis and urticaria. Extracts of herb and essential oil do not typically contain the pollen.

Sources:

Ekiert, H.; Klimek- Szczykutowicz, M.; Rzepiela, A.; Klin, P.; Szopa, A. (2022) Artemisia Species with High Biological Values as a Potential Source of Medicinal and Cosmetic Raw Materials. Molecules: 27; 6427

Sari DH, Yuniar S, Awalia Nur Fadillah S, Mutiarani A, Kusumawaty D (2022) The effectiveness of mugwort leaf extract and gotu kola leaf extract against acne bacterial activity. ASEAN Journal of Science and Engineering: 249-256

Rohan Shah, MD

Author

Dr. Rohan Shah is a dermatology resident in training at Penn State’s Milton Hershey Department of Dermatology. His interests within dermatology include cutaneous oncology, skin of color therapies, medical innovation and hair loss. With a background in technology, Dr. Shah is an avid supporter of technology’s integration within the dermatology space and has published multiple papers on this topic. He is also passionate about clinical research in dermatology. In his free time, Dr. Shah enjoys fitness, playing basketball, traveling and trying new restaurants.